Although these trade pacts are presented as opportunities to increase exports, the reality is that the small print in these trade negotiations has allowed big business to undermine vital public health, consumer protection and environmental safeguards as so-called “trade barriers.” Both the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and the Transatlantic Free Trade Agreement (TAFTA) would increase pressure to frack for shale gas and weaken our food safety system. In order to assure that these deals make it through Congress, the Obama administration has asked Congress to grant it “fast track” trade authority.